New London — City firefighters knocked down a hot and smoky fire Saturday afternoon on Montauk Avenue that displaced six adults and five children.

Battalion Chief Marc A. Melanson said a fire on the second-floor apartment was called in by a resident of 70-72 Montauk Ave. at 12:52 p.m. Trucks were on the scene in minutes, and firefighters had the fire under control and the building stabilized in about 20 minutes, he said.

The fire appeared to be confined to the second floor, Melanson said, where several rooms were burned. Firefighters stopped the blaze before it reached the attic and roof.

The fire is under investigation by the New London fire marshal's office.

"As far as jobs go, this job went very well. The guys made a good stop,'' Melanson said. "They're going through places they've never been, under conditions in which they can't see. For the outcome to be like this, it is really gratifying. They guys really did an excellent job."

Melanson ordered the utilities and water to be shut off to the building.

The American Red Cross responded to the scene and provided hotel rooms and other emergency assistance for the displaced families, according to Sue Rochester-Bolen, manager of emergency services.

All fire apparatus in the city responded to the scene, as well as the Naval Submarine Base and Lawrence & Memorial Hospital paramedics. No injuries were reported.

New London firefighters attach water supply hose lines to the fire engine as they battle an apartment fire at 70-72 Montauk Ave. in New London Saturday.Tim Cook/The Day

Firefighter Tim Jeffery prepares to make entry in the front door as New London firefighters battle an apartment fire at 70-72 Montauk Ave. in New London Saturday.Tim Cook/The Day